Chileans to Decide on Influential Conservative Constitution Draft

Chileans are voting on whether to approve a new constitution to replace the country's dictatorship-era charter. The proposed conservative draft, written by conservative councilors, aims to deepen free-market principles, reduce state intervention, and potentially limit some women's rights. If rejected, the current Pinochet-era constitution will remain in effect. Controversial articles in the new draft include one that could make abortion fully illegal and another that could benefit those convicted of crimes against humanity during the Pinochet dictatorship. The proposed constitution is also opposed by local leaders who argue it eliminates taxes on primary residences, a significant source of state revenue. The process to draft a new constitution began after 2019 protests against inequality, but a previous proposed constitution was rejected in 2022. Recent polls show a close divide between those in favor and those against the new constitution.